Shattered Ascension

Chapter Five

Sawyer groaned as the beeping of her alarm grew louder. Mornings didn’t bother her, but the reason for the morning was what she dreaded. She slid her arm out from under her covers and turned the alarm off. Kicking off her blankets she pushed off the bed and onto her feet. Her green eyes traveled over to the clock. The red four thirty shone throughout her dark room.

She pulled on black yoga pants and form fitting athletic shirt. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but if she needed to shift it was much easier stripping out of these clothes than jeans. Scooping up her purse and keys she headed out to her car. The white Pontiac was half brown due to the rust. When she purchased the car it only had a bit of rust on the passenger’s door, now it was taking over the car. Ruby often called it a “rust bucket” which was appropriate. She hopped into the vehicle and headed toward the pack house.

Sawyer walked up to the short brawny woman standing by the front door. The woman turned and Sawyer met her dark eyes, they looked nearly black. Her skin was olive and her face was round with distinct features. She was shorter than Sawyer expected, and her athletic clothes didn’t hide her figure or muscular form. She could almost pass for a body builder.

“You must be the mutt,” she said. “I’m Shayleigh.” She started down the stairs and headed off toward the woods. “Keep up.” Sawyer followed her.

“It’s Sawyer,” she said, her tone hard. She was a wolf regardless of her parent’s status. Not all mutts could shift, but those that couldn’t weren’t classified as mutts, they were just people.

“The pack isn’t a place to be touchy.” She glanced back at Sawyer. “You are what you are. No use in denying it.” She pulled her short black hair into a small bun. “You want to rise in the ranks, out of the omega place, then listen to me.” She paused and turned to face Sawyer. Shayleigh was at least 5’2 maybe 5’3, which seemed so small compared to Sawyer’s 5’8. “Don’t talk back and do as I do. I know you have a mouth.”

That fact wasn’t one Sawyer could deny. “Don’t call me a mutt.”

Shayleigh laughed. “You have spunk, that’ll be good.” She continued walking. It felt like an eternity before Shayleigh spoke again. Sawyer was glad she chose her running shoes for this. “We’re getting close to the edge of our territory,” Shayleigh said. “We are only responsible for this section.” Shayleigh turned around. “We are covering the Western border and other wolves are busy with the other areas.”

“How much land do you guys own?” Sawyer asked. The woods here seemed endless.

“We possess the entire city. All the land humans, mutts, and wolves walk on belongs to us. Austin in ours,” she said with a small smile. “We may not own every building, but we control and protect all the land. Now, we do not patrol the whole Western border, that would take hours and we don’t have time for that. Our section is a few acres. I suggest you strip and change, or you’ll have a hard time keeping up.” Shayleigh began removing her clothes.

Sawyer was grateful she wasn’t a bashful person. She stripped and shifted. Even her wolf was taller than Shayleigh’s. Shayleigh wolf was deep brown with black paws, which was a stark contrast to Sawyers; her wolf was a reddish brown with a white underbelly. Shayleigh’s dark eyes met hers before she dashed off to the right. Sawyer raced after her. It wasn’t difficult keeping pace, but the jog was longer than she was prepared for.

Sawyer’s legs ached as she ran alongside Shayleigh. She was at least six inches taller than her, which was an asset for the run. Shayleigh was fit and prepared for a long jog, Sawyer was not. Her panting grew heavier each mile they ran. Her wolf begged for more, but her body grew weary. The amount of running wasn’t something she was used to. She didn’t have time for much exercise.

When they returned to their clothes, they changed back to their human form and dressed themselves. Sawyer leaned against a nearby tree and took deep breaths. She was out of shape, more than she realized.

“I’m surprised you kept up so well,” Shayleigh said, she wasn’t even winded by the miles they ran. “Did you pick up a variety of scents?”

“Yes,” Sawyer said as her breathing slowly began to return to normal. “Some of yours were a few days old.”

“You can use your nose.” She clapped twice with a bored expression across her face. “You will become more familiar with the other pack members scents the more you interact with us.” She moved toward the direction of the mansion. “We rotate throughout the day.”

Sawyer followed her before catching a familiar scent. The rogue, how did Shayleigh not realize it. A branch cracked beside her and she froze. It was the rogue. She growled before lunging in the direction of the wolf. He was caught off guard by her attack. She knocked him to the ground and secured her hand around his throat, bringing out her claws in case he tried something.

“What are you doing here?” She growled as her free hand rested on his chest. Slowly she brought out her claws and allowed them to dig into his skin. He shrieked and Shayleigh dashed over.

“Sawyer,” Shayleigh growled. “This is Riley, a pack member.”

Sawyer’s eyes widened. “A pack member.” Riley’s eyes widened and she tightened her grip on him. He grunted as blood slowly came from his chest.

“Release him Sawyer.” Shayleigh put her hand on her shoulder. “Now.”

She pulled her hand out of his flesh before letting his throat go. “Scum,” Sawyer shouted before punching him. Shayleigh moved behind her, but not before Sawyer landed another blow. Quickly, Shayleigh lifted her off him. Shayleigh’s arms were hooked around Sawyer’s, holding them behind her back. Sawyer didn’t fight her, and her green eyes were glued to the man before her.

He was short, and muscular, like all the wolves that lived in this town. She’d never actually seen an overweight werewolf. His curly brown hair hung in his eyes. When he scrambled to his feet, he brushed his hair back. His wide nose was angled in the wrong direction, she’d successfully broken it. He wiped blood off his nose and lip.

“Control yourself Sawyer,” Shayleigh said. “We’re going to see the alpha.”

Shayleigh let her go. “Finally, something I agree with,” Sawyer said, her eyes still trained on Riley. Shayleigh moved off and Sawyer hesitated for a moment before following her. Riley trailed behind them.

“She attacked him,” Shayleigh said, her arms crossed. “After being informed he was a pack member she continued to assault him.” Shayleigh glanced over at Sawyer and gave her a half smile. Was that kindness coming from her? Sawyer didn’t care about making friends, but she figured enemies wouldn’t bode well if she was trapped with them.

Corinne’s blue eyes lifted off the paper in front of her and latched onto Sawyer. “Day one and you’re already causing trouble.” The older wolf sighed as she looked over at Riley. “Go fix your nose.” She waved him off. After he left, she leaned back in her seat. “Explain yourself.”

“He was disguised as a rogue,” Sawyer said. “The reason I shifted was because he attacked one of your pack members.” She pointed her finger at Corinne.

“Silence.” Corinne raised her slender hand. “That story sounds unlikely.”

“Can’t you see what’s happening?” Sawyer raised her brow, feeling her frustration swirl inside. “They set me up,” she shouted.

Corinne stood. “Do no accuse my pack of these outlandish accusations.” Sawyer growled. “Watch your tongue.”

Sawyer balled her hands. “You’re blind to the truth.” Her voice was low.

“The truth I see is that you attacked a fellow pack member. An unfounded attack and now you’re accusing him of scheming to get you into the pack.” Corinne’s voice was steady. “What makes you so special?”

Sawyer narrowed her eyes at her. “I never said I was. Your pack member is a scoundrel, lying to save his own skin.” She laughed a hollow sound. “This was the plan all along wasn’t it? Get the loner to join or leave. Tying up loose ends you never could with my parents.”

In seconds Corinne was standing in front of Sawyer. Her blue eyes gazing down at her. “Do not speak about a fellow pack member that way.” She paused, narrowing her eyes. “How dare you accuse me.” She stepped closer to Sawyer and Sawyer stepped back. “The reason you had your freedom was because of me.” Corinne’s voice never wavered.

Sawyer looked into Corinne’s clear eyes; she was right. Her parents had their freedom because she allowed it, she went against what her pack believed and granted them asylum. Sawyer nodded slowly. “I apologize. I overstepped.” Her anger simmered below the surface. Somehow, she’d have to prove it to her. Maybe she’d earn her freedom back.

Corinne stepped back. “You must be taught your place,” she said moving behind her desk. “You will be supervised by my son, Reece. He will teach you appropriate behaviour.” Her eyes were focused on her desk as she sat. “Do what he says.” She met Sawyer’s green eyes. “Do not make coming to my office a habit.” Sawyer watched her for a moment longer. Was there nothing she could say to convince her. “I will look into it.” Corinne never looked up. “To see if there is truth to your claims.” She waved her hands, concluding the discussion.

Sawyer felt lighter at Corinne’s words. She would look into it, that simple sentence lifted a weight of her shoulders. Then the rest sunk in. Of all people, it had to be Reece, the insufferable creep. Sawyer held her tongue as she left the office with Shayleigh trailing behind her. Her first day didn’t go well.

“You’re not off the hook that easily,” Shayleigh said. “Come, I’ll take you to Reece.” Sawyer rolled her eyes as she followed Shayleigh to the front room.

They passed the front door and headed down a long hall before stepping into a large kitchen. They had several ovens, numerous cabinets, long marble counter tops. It reminded her of a high-end restaurant. Shayleigh continued walking through the kitchen and out a door at the end. There was a long dining table ornate with candles and other useless trinkets to make the table appear grander than it was. The simple wood table was a surprise, she expected marble, like the kitchen.

Laughter filled the air. there were several pack members seated at the end of the table and at the head sat Reece. Riley was beside him and a young girl was across from Riley. It was the same girl Sawyer saved. The three looked over at her; Riley and the girl were wide eyed.

“I’m so glad the rogue didn’t get you,” Sawyer said quietly as she stood a few feet away from her, with the table on her right. “Must have caused you quite a fright.”

Reece smiled at her. “What are you talking about?” He asked with a soft laugh. “Anyway, glad you could join us.” He pointed to the dark-haired girl. “This is Rain.” He moved his hand toward the guy. “And Riley.”

Sawyer’s green eyes traveled over to Riley. “We’ve met.” Frustration threatened to overflow, but she reigned it in. This wasn’t the time or place to let him have it, but he would. Earlier was nothing compared to what she wanted to do.

Reece laughed. “Right, you beat the snot out of him.” Reece patted Riley’s shoulder. “You never were good in a fight.” As he spoke, his blue eyes never left Sawyer.

These two plotted to get her in the pack, but what was their motive? She met Riley’s big brown eyes. A crush couldn’t be it; she’d never met this man before. Slowly her eyes moved over to Rain, she didn’t know the girl either. There was something missing, which infuriated her.

Shayleigh stood beside Reece. “You’ve been assigned to teach her manners.” She waved her hand at Sawyer. “Her defiant behaviour must be curbed and who better than an alpha’s kid?” She said with a short laugh. “Your brother doesn’t have time.”

Reece’s smile faded and his eyes darkened. “All hail him.” He stood, pushing back the chair. “Babysitting duty.” He grunted. “I suppose it could be worse.”

Sawyer couldn’t think of anything worse at the moment. Spending all the time with Reece wasn’t how she envisioned her day; it was the last thing she wanted to do. This man rubbed her the wrong way and his eyes, the way they watched her, freaked her out. It was as if she held the answers, he’d been looking for all his life and if he looked away, he’d lose everything he’d ever wanted. That was not the kind of desire she wanted from a man.

Shayleigh looked over at Sawyer and gave her a small smile. “Good luck, mutt. See you around.” She turned and walked out of the kitchen. The silence that lingered in her absence lasted an uncomfortably long time.

“What’s first?” Reece said as he looked at Riley.

Rain stood and turned to face Sawyer. “What makes you so great?”

Sawyer raised a brow at her. “I’m not a liar,” she said crossing her arms. This child was pushing her to the brink.

“Better than being a mutt,” the girl growled at her.

“Shouldn’t children be in school?” Sawyer asked lifting her eyes to meet Reece’s.

“It’s lunchtime.” He looked at his phone. “You should probably get going, Rain.”

Rain narrowed her silver eyes at Sawyer. Something about her eyes were familiar but thinking about it was a waste of her time. “Run along now, pup,” Sawyer said. The girl huffed before walking out of the room.

“Ready for the fun to begin?” Reece said with a grin, revealing his white teeth.

Sawyer doubted that “fun” was going to happen. Nothing about today or her foreseeable future would include that word. Everything was restricting and suffocating. She felt as though her hands were bound in chains with a lock, and Reece held the key in his grubby hands.

“Lead the way,” Sawyer said, dreading her existence.